How high should a fever be before it’s considered dangerous. What are the signs that indicate a fever requires immediate medical attention. When is it safe to treat a fever at home versus going to the emergency room. What causes fevers in adults with no other symptoms.

What Defines a Fever and Why Do We Get Them?

A fever is defined as an elevated body temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. But why do our bodies produce fevers in the first place? Fevers serve an important purpose in fighting infections.

When pathogens like viruses or bacteria invade our bodies, the immune system responds by raising our internal temperature. This elevated temperature creates an environment that’s less hospitable for the invading microbes, making it harder for them to survive and reproduce. At the same time, the higher temperature stimulates and accelerates various immune system processes that help combat the infection.

Can adults develop a fever with no other symptoms? Yes, it’s entirely possible. Viral infections are a common cause of isolated fevers in adults. These may include:

• COVID-19
• The common cold
• Influenza
• Bronchitis
• Gastroenteritis (stomach flu)

In many cases, these viral infections resolve on their own within a few days, which is why you might hear a doctor describe a fever as “viral” without identifying a specific cause.

What Temperature is Considered a High Fever in Adults?

While any temperature above 100.4°F is technically a fever, not all fevers are cause for immediate concern. In adults, a high-grade fever is generally considered to be 103°F (39.4°C) or higher.

Is 98.6°F still considered the normal body temperature? Interestingly, recent research suggests that average body temperatures may be falling over time. The “normal” range is now considered to be between 97°F and 99°F. This shift could be due to factors such as:

• Lower overall metabolic rates in modern populations
• Reduced rates of chronic infections
• More accurate thermometers

When Should You Seek Medical Attention for a Fever?

While fevers are often a sign that your body is fighting an infection effectively, there are situations where medical attention is warranted. Here are some guidelines for when to seek help:

1. Your temperature is high (103°F or above) and doesn’t respond to over-the-counter fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
2. The fever persists for several days or keeps recurring.
3. You live in an area with active COVID-19 cases and are experiencing other symptoms associated with the virus.
4. You have underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, lupus, or sickle cell anemia.

Additionally, seek medical attention if you have a fever and:

• Are pregnant
• Have recently returned from overseas travel
• Get infections frequently
• Are undergoing chemotherapy (seek immediate attention if the fever lasts more than an hour)
• Have recently been bitten by a tick

Fever in the Context of COVID-19 Vaccination

With the widespread availability of COVID-19 vaccines, many people wonder about the possibility of “breakthrough” infections. Can a fully vaccinated person develop a fever due to COVID-19?

While breakthrough cases are possible, they are relatively rare. When they do occur, symptoms tend to be milder than in unvaccinated individuals. This includes fever, which may be less severe or absent altogether in vaccinated people who contract the virus.

However, if you develop a high-grade fever and are fully vaccinated, it’s still important to consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you have other risk factors or are in an area with high COVID-19 transmission rates.

How to Accurately Measure Your Temperature

To ensure you’re getting an accurate reading of your body temperature, follow these guidelines:

• Use an oral thermometer for the most precise measurement
• Wait at least 30 minutes after eating or drinking anything hot or cold before taking your temperature
• For consistent readings, use the same method and thermometer each time
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific thermometer model

Remember that different methods of measurement (oral, rectal, armpit, ear, forehead) may yield slightly different results, so it’s important to use the same method consistently when monitoring a fever.

Managing Fever at Home: Do’s and Don’ts

While not all fevers require medical intervention, there are steps you can take to manage symptoms and promote comfort at home:

Do:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
• Rest and avoid strenuous activities
• Use over-the-counter fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed
• Dress in light, breathable clothing
• Keep your environment cool but comfortable

Don’t:

• Overdress or bundle up excessively, as this can trap heat and raise body temperature further
• Take cold baths or use alcohol rubs, which can cause shivering and actually increase body temperature
• Ignore other symptoms that may develop alongside the fever
• Assume all fevers require antibiotics, as many are caused by viruses that don’t respond to antibiotic treatment

Remember, a fever is often a sign that your body is actively fighting an infection. While it can be uncomfortable, it’s not always necessary to lower a fever unless it’s causing significant discomfort or is dangerously high.

Understanding Fever in Special Populations

While this article focuses primarily on fever in adults, it’s important to note that fever can manifest differently and may require different responses in certain populations:

Older Adults

Elderly individuals may not develop fevers as readily as younger adults, even when fighting infections. A slight elevation in temperature or other changes in behavior or health status may be more indicative of illness in this population.

Immunocompromised Individuals

People with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or with HIV/AIDS, may not develop typical fever responses. Any change in temperature for these individuals warrants close monitoring and potentially medical attention.

Pregnant Women

Fever during pregnancy can potentially pose risks to the developing fetus, especially in the first trimester. Pregnant women with fevers should consult their healthcare provider promptly.

For these special populations, it’s crucial to have a lower threshold for seeking medical attention when a fever develops.

The Role of Fever in Different Types of Infections

While fevers can occur with many types of infections, the pattern and characteristics of the fever can sometimes provide clues about the underlying cause:

Bacterial Infections

Often associated with higher fevers that respond well to antibiotics. Examples include strep throat, urinary tract infections, and pneumonia.

Viral Infections

Typically cause lower-grade fevers and may be accompanied by other symptoms like runny nose, cough, or body aches. Examples include the common cold, influenza, and COVID-19.

Parasitic Infections

May cause cyclic fevers that come and go at regular intervals. Malaria is a classic example of this type of fever pattern.

Fungal Infections

Can cause persistent low-grade fevers, especially in immunocompromised individuals.

Understanding these patterns can help healthcare providers in diagnosing and treating the underlying cause of a fever. However, it’s important to note that many infections don’t follow these typical patterns, which is why professional medical evaluation is often necessary.

Fever and Its Impact on the Body

While fever is generally a protective mechanism, prolonged or very high fevers can have systemic effects on the body:

Metabolic Effects

Fever increases the body’s metabolic rate, which can lead to increased calorie burn and potential weight loss if prolonged.

Cardiovascular Effects

Fever can increase heart rate and may slightly lower blood pressure due to vasodilation (widening of blood vessels).

Neurological Effects

Very high fevers can sometimes lead to confusion, delirium, or even seizures, especially in individuals prone to these conditions.

Dehydration Risk

Fever increases fluid loss through sweating and increased respiratory rate, potentially leading to dehydration if fluid intake isn’t increased.

These potential impacts underscore the importance of monitoring high fevers closely and seeking medical attention when appropriate.

Fever Myths and Misconceptions

There are several common myths about fever that can lead to unnecessary worry or inappropriate treatment:

Myth: Fever is a disease itself

Reality: Fever is a symptom, not a disease. It’s the body’s natural response to fighting infections.

Myth: All fevers need to be treated with medication

Reality: Low-grade fevers often don’t require treatment unless they’re causing discomfort.

Myth: Fever will keep rising if not treated

Reality: The body has internal mechanisms to regulate temperature and prevent dangerously high fevers in most cases.

Myth: Fevers always indicate a serious illness

Reality: Many common, non-serious infections can cause fevers.

Myth: You can tell if someone has a fever by touching their forehead

Reality: While this method can detect significant temperature changes, it’s not accurate for diagnosing fever. A thermometer is necessary for an accurate reading.

Understanding these myths can help individuals make more informed decisions about when to treat fevers at home and when to seek medical attention.

The Future of Fever Management and Diagnosis

As medical technology advances, new approaches to fever management and diagnosis are emerging:

Wearable Temperature Monitors

Continuous temperature monitoring devices can provide real-time data and alerts for fever spikes, potentially allowing for earlier intervention in serious cases.

AI-Assisted Diagnosis

Artificial intelligence algorithms are being developed to analyze fever patterns along with other symptoms to assist in diagnosing underlying conditions more accurately.

Targeted Antipyretics

Research is ongoing into more sophisticated fever-reducing medications that can lower temperature without interfering with the body’s immune response.

Fever as a Diagnostic Tool

Advanced understanding of how different pathogens affect body temperature may allow fever patterns to be used more effectively in diagnosing specific infections.

These advancements may revolutionize how we approach fever management in the future, potentially leading to more personalized and effective treatments.

In conclusion, while fever can be concerning, it’s often a sign that your body is effectively fighting an infection. Understanding when a fever requires medical attention and how to manage it at home can help you make informed decisions about your health. Always consult with a healthcare provider if you’re unsure about the severity of a fever or if you have underlying health conditions that may complicate fever management.

Fever & Temperature In Adults: When To Worry

Karen Justiniano, DO, MS, Stamford Health Medical Group

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A friend of mine whose father is 70 years old told me her story. It went something like this:

“My father never gets fevers. Out of nowhere the other day, he developed a 103 temperature with no other symptoms. He is also fully vaccinated against COVID-19. My mother brought him to the emergency room. Did she do the right thing, or would he likely have been fine if he stayed home and let the fever run its course?”

As a physician who cares for a variety of people with a variety of conditions, I have to say of course she did the right thing! When in doubt or when concerned, seeking medical attention is the smart thing to do.

But the longer answer is a little more complicated than that. It all starts with breaking down the purpose of a fever, and when you should truly worry. Please note—fevers in infants or young children are sometimes a different story—what you are about to read relates to adults only.

What is a fever and why do we get them, and sometimes with no other symptoms?

Fever is an elevated body temperature which means your temperature is 100.4 degree F or higher. A fever is the body’s way of fighting an infection by naturally raising your body’s temperature to “kill the germ.” The medical community likes to say that fever is a “good thing,” in most cases.

And yes, it’s completely possible for adults to develop a fever with no other symptoms, and for doctors to never truly find the cause. Viral Infections can commonly cause fevers, and such infections include COVID-19, cold or the flu, airway infection like bronchitis, or the classic stomach bug.

That’s why you often hear the word “viral” as an explanation because these types of infections often go away on their own after a few days.

What is considered a high fever in adults?

A high-grade fever in adults is 103 degrees F or higher.

Is it possible that a fever could be a sign of a “breakthrough case” of COVID-19 even if the person is fully vaccinated?

Yes, but not highly likely. Breakthrough cases of COVID-19 in fully vaccinated people have been reported, but symptoms tend to be milder than in non-vaccinated people, including fever.

First, make sure you are taking your temperature the right way. Taking your temperature by mouth is the most accurate method, and wait at least 30 minutes after you eat or drink anything hot or cold. Get medical attention for your fever if:

• Your temperature is high and has not gone down after taking Tylenol or Advil
• Your temperature lasts several days or keeps coming back
• You live in an area where people have COVID-19
• You have serious health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, lupus, or sickle cell anemia. (Non-infections like these can cause fever as well.)

You should also seek medial attention if you have a fever and you:

• Are pregnant
• Recently returned from travel overseas
• Get infections often
• Are on chemotherapy, in which case you should seek medical attention immediately if the fever lasts for more than one hour.
• Have recently been bitten by a tick

Is 98.6 still considered “normal” body temperature?

Yes and no. You’ve probably always heard that the average body temperature is 98.6, but the truth is there’s a much wider range—from about 97 to 99 degrees F.

So why is 98.6 suddenly a myth after all these centuries? Research suggests body temperatures are falling overall. Doctors have a few ideas about why this is, including lower metabolic rates, lower rates of infection and more advanced thermometers.

A couple of helpful reminders:

1. As the saying goes, “Don’t fear the fever.” A fever is your body’s first line of defense in fighting off an infection.
2. If you are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and have developed a high-grade fever, please call your doctor right away.

Fever (High Temperature) In Kids (for Parents)

All kids get a fever from time to time. Usually, a fever isn’t dangerous or bad for kids. It can even be a good thing because it can help the immune system fight infection.

Still, parents might be unsure about how to handle a fever at home and when to call the doctor. Here are some tips.

What Is a Fever?

In general, a fever means the body’s temperature is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. Different ways of measuring a temperature — rectal, armpit, ear, forehead, mouth — get a slightly different number, so the number that means a child has a fever is a little different too. 

What Causes Fevers?

Fevers in kids are usually caused by an infection. A fever helps the body by stimulating the immune system to fight the infection. Doctors also think the higher temperature makes it harder for the germs to grow.

A few other reasons kids can have a fever:

Overdressing: Infants, especially newborns, may get fevers if they’re overdressed, wrapped in a blanket, or in a hot environment because they don’t regulate their body temperature as well as older kids. But because fevers in newborns can be a sign of a serious infection, even infants who are overdressed must be checked by a doctor if they have a fever.

Immunizations: Babies and kids sometimes get a mild fever that lasts about a day after getting vaccinated.

A child who is teething might have a slight rise in body temperature, but it’s probably not the cause if the temperature is higher than 100°F (37.8°C).

When Is a Fever a Sign of Something Serious?

In most healthy kids who are acting well, a fever isn’t serious.

But a fever can be serious for:

• Infants younger than 3 months: If an infant younger than 3 months has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, call your doctor or go to the emergency department right away. 
• Kids with some health conditions: If your child has an ongoing health issue, make sure you know if the doctor should be called for fever.

A fever is probably not serious if your child is 3 months or older and:

• is still interested in playing
• is drinking well
• is alert and smiling
• has a normal skin color
• looks well when their temperature comes down

Don’t worry too much about a child with a fever who doesn’t want to eat. This is common with infections that cause fever. For kids who still drink and urinate (pee) normally, not eating as much as usual is OK.

What Are the Signs of a Fever?

Kids with a fever might:

• feel warm
• act differently (they might be fussy or cranky, or quieter than usual)
• breathe a little faster or have a faster heart rate than normal
• have a headache
• have chills or sweating
• have red or flushed skin

For any of these signs, take your child’s temperature to know if they really have a fever.

If your child feels warm or is acting unwell, use a digital thermometer to confirm a fever. Different ways of taking the temperature are more accurate than others at measuring the true body temperature.

The best way to take a temperature:

• for kids 3 years old and younger: a rectal temperature
• for kids 4 or older who can cooperate: an oral temperature (by mouth)
• for any age: under the armpit (axillary) and temporal artery (forehead) are easiest but less accurate. Tympanic (in the ear) is OK for kids 6 months and older.

It’s a fever when a child’s temperature is at or above one of these levels:

• rectal (in the bottom), tympanic (in the ear), or temporal artery (across the forehead): 100.4°F (38°C)
• oral (in the mouth): 100°F (37.8°C)
• axillary (under the arm): 99°F (37.2°C)

How Can I Help My Child Feel Better?

No treatment is needed if a child is still playing and drinking normally and doesn’t have pain. 

Treating a fever with medicine isn’t needed if a child is still playing and drinking normally and doesn’t have pain. Give medicine only when a fever causes a child discomfort or keeps them from drinking.

While kids have a fever, keep an eye on them, help them to rest, and keep offering fluids to drink. They need to drink a little extra to make up for the fluids they lose from sweating.

Home Care Measures

Medicines

If your child is uncomfortable from a fever or not drinking fluids well, you can give one of these medicines:

• acetaminophen (such as Tylenol or a store brand)
  or
• ibuprofen (such as Advil, Motrin, or a store brand). Do not give to children under 6 months old.

Follow the package directions for how much to give and how often. If you don’t know the recommended dose or your child is younger than 2 years old, call the doctor to find out what to use and how much to give.

• If your child has any medical problems, check with the doctor to see which medicine to use.
• Unless instructed to by a doctor, never give aspirin to a child. Such use is linked to Reye syndrome, a rare but serious illness.

Do not give any medicine for fever to infants younger than 3 months old unless instructed to by a doctor.

Staying Comfortable

If your child has a fever:

• Have them wear lightweight clothing and stay covered with a light sheet or blanket. Heavy clothes and blankets can keep the body from cooling, which can make your child uncomfortable.
• Keep the room at a comfortable temperature — not too hot or too cold.
• Make sure they get plenty of rest. Staying in bed all day isn’t necessary, but a sick child should take it easy.
• They should stay home from school or childcare until their temperature has been normal for 24 hours.

Lukewarm sponge baths to lower a fever generally are not recommended. In fact, sponge baths can make kids uncomfortable from shivering. Never use rubbing alcohol (it can cause poisoning when absorbed through the skin) or ice packs/cold baths (they can cause chills that can raise body temperature).

Food and Drinks

Offer plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration because fevers make kids lose fluids faster than usual. Oral rehydration solutions (like Pedialyle, Enfalyte, or store brands) are a good choice. You also can give water, soup, ice pops, and flavored gelatin. Avoid drinks with caffeine, including colas and tea, which can make dehydration worse by making kids pee more often.

Let kids eat what they want (in reasonable amounts), but don’t force it if they don’t feel like eating much.

When Should I Call the Doctor?

The temperature that should trigger a call to the doctor depends on a child’s age, the illness, and whether they have other symptoms. You might ask if your doctor has specific guidelines on when to call about a fever.

In general, call the doctor if your child is:

• younger than 3 months old with a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
• 3 months or older with a temperature higher than 102.2°F (39°C)
• any age but has a health problem like cancer or sickle cell disease and has a fever

Also call if a child 3 months or older has a fever and:

• refuses fluids or seems too ill to drink enough
• has lasting diarrhea or repeated vomiting
• has any signs of dehydration (peeing less than usual, not having tears when crying, less alert and less active than usual)
• has a specific complaint (like a sore throat or earache)
• still has a fever after 2–3 days
• has a rash
• has pain while peeing

Get emergency care if your child shows any of these signs:

• crying that won’t stop
• extreme irritability or fussiness
• sluggishness and trouble waking up
• a rash or purple spots that look like bruises on the skin (that were not there before your child got sick)
• blue lips, tongue, or nails
• in an infant, the soft spot on the head seems to be bulging out or sunken in
• stiff neck
• severe headache
• limpness or refusal to move
• trouble breathing that doesn’t get better when the nose is cleared
• leaning forward and drooling
• seizure
• moderate to severe belly pain

What Else Should I Know?

All kids get fevers, and in most cases they’re back to normal within a few days. For older babies and kids, the way they act can be more important than the reading on your thermometer. Everyone gets a little cranky when they have a fever. This is normal and should be expected.

But if you’re ever in doubt about what to do or what a fever might mean, or if your child is acting ill in a way that concerns you even with no fever, always call your doctor for advice.

Medically reviewed by: Melanie L. Pitone, MD

Date reviewed: November 2022

High temperature

High temperature (fever, hyperthermia) is a normal and healthy reaction of the body to an infection – bacterial or viral. Actually, fever is a symptom of a disease, not a disease. An increase in body temperature helps kill the virus or bacteria causing the infection.

High body temperature is considered if it is 38°C or higher. An area of ​​the brain called the hypothalamus regulates body temperature. If body temperature rises above or falls below 37°C, the hypothalamus begins to regulate temperature.

The degree of fever may not indicate how serious the condition is. With a minor illness, such as a cold, a fever may rise, and with a very serious infection, there may be little or no temperature at all. Along with fever, other symptoms are also important.

High temperature symptoms

Light (subfebrile) temperature 37.1-37.9

At a light temperature, a blush appears, fatigue is felt, the body is warm to the touch. There may be a headache. Typically, a person with a mild fever can perform normal daily activities.

Moderate (febrile) temperature (38° to 38.9°C)

High (pyretic) temperature (39° to 41°C)

At moderate and high temperatures, the heat of the skin is felt to the touch, chills or trembling appear. Because of the feeling of weakness, I want to lie down.

Excessive (hyperpyretic) temperature (41°C or higher)

With excessive temperature, severe weakness is felt, it is difficult for a person to move, appetite disappears. Quite quickly, especially in children, dangerous signs of dehydration appear: rare urge to urinate, pale skin, dry lips, etc.

Causes

Common conditions that can cause a high body temperature include:

• acute respiratory infections,
• influenza and influenza-like conditions,
• gastroenteritis,
• ENT infections (sinusitis, tonsillitis, otitis, etc.),
• kidney or urinary tract infections,
• infectious childhood diseases such as chicken pox, scarlet fever, rubella (rubella), whooping cough and rheumatic fever,
• heat stroke,
• teething in infants can cause mild low-grade fever, etc.

After vaccination, the temperature may also rise slightly – this is considered a variant of the norm.

Fever diagnosis

Despite the fact that the temperature is easy to measure with a thermometer, the cause of its rise can only be determined after clarifying all the symptoms and previous conditions.

Treatment of fever

Elevated body temperature is part of the immune system’s response to bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Helps the body fight infection. However, very high temperatures can sometimes lead to complications.

The most common treatments for fever include over-the-counter over-the-counter medications. Children and teenagers should not take aspirin because it has been linked to a condition called Reye’s syndrome.

To reduce elevated body temperature at home contribute to:

• drink plenty of water (water, compotes, juices, rehydrating drinks, etc.),
• bed rest,
• keeping the room cool,
• lightweight clothing that does not warm the body.

Treatment of fever in a child

Usually, parents care for their child at home, and pediatricians recommend starting measures to lower the temperature if it has risen to 38.5 ° C. It is safe to alternate between ibuprofen and paracetamol at the age-appropriate dose. In addition to taking children’s pharmaceutical antipyretics in a dosage appropriate for the age and weight of the child, you should:

• undress the child to the underwear,
• do not wrap, do not cover with a warm blanket;
• give the child plenty of fluids;
• regularly check the child’s condition at night;
• offer the child light food.

Do not wipe or splash the child with cold water.

Call your pediatrician immediately if your child:

• is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38°C,
• age 3 to 6 months, and temperature 39°C or more,
• if, in addition to high fever, there are other signs of illness, such as rash, etc.,
• high temperature persists for more than 5 days,
• high temperature in a child is not reduced by paracetamol or ibuprofen,
• showed signs of dehydration – infrequent urination, sunken eyes and no tears if the child cries.

Fever in an adult

Many causes can cause a high temperature in adults, but most often it means that an infectious agent has entered the body. However, a high temperature can also be caused by non-infectious causes, so it is important to monitor all your symptoms and if the high temperature persists for more than 3 days, you should consult a general practitioner. In addition to establishing the objective cause of the fever, the therapist will recommend an antipyretic.

Temperature at elevated pressure

The simultaneous increase in body temperature and blood pressure often occurs suddenly, without any prerequisites. The most serious diseases that high blood pressure and body temperature can indicate are vegetative disorders, kidney disease, and thyroid dysfunction. In such cases, you should consult a general practitioner.

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due to what disease and what to do

Fever is often one of the symptoms of the disease: at the same time, cough, runny nose, diarrhea, nausea or other signs may appear, by which doctors or we ourselves unambiguously diagnose the disease. But what does it mean if the temperature rises without symptoms?

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Fever in children and adults

A temperature of 35.6 to 37.2 is considered normal, and most accept the “gold standard” of 36.6 as normal. Temperature fluctuations occur throughout the day and this is completely normal. To better understand the issue, also read why there is a low body temperature.

But when and why should you worry? An elevated temperature in adults is a temperature above 38 degrees that persists for some time. Most often, the temperature itself does not require special treatment, but it can cause severe weakness and discomfort – in this case, doctors recommend not to endure and accept it. Also, if there are no contraindications, you can try to bring down the temperature without medication.

In addition, the following signs should be cause for concern:

• temperature that does not drop and rises over time;
• breathing problems and chest pain;
• severe pain or swelling;

In this case, it is better to consult a doctor or call an ambulance.

Often, children have a slightly higher temperature than adults, and therefore they usually do not bring it down until the thermometer shows 38.5. However, it is important to monitor whether the temperature is rising and how quickly it happens – too high a temperature can provoke convulsions and other complications. You need to be especially careful if …

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• … the child has a fever without symptoms and it is difficult for him to eat and drink;
• …there is great weakness;
• …the temperature cannot be brought down, it rises again and again.

How do you know if the temperature is too high?

Adults often themselves understand that their temperature has risen, focusing on their own feelings. Additional signs – cold symptoms or symptoms of an intestinal infection will only confirm suspicions. However, if a high temperature has risen without symptoms, many believe that it just seems to them, because otherwise the state of health can be quite acceptable.

To be sure, of course, you should use a thermometer, but here are a few signs by which you can suspect a fever even without a thermometer.

Touch the forehead

A method that most mothers are familiar with. They touch their forehead with their lips or the back of their hand. This approach works best if you need to detect the temperature in someone, and not in yourself. The person himself may not notice the rise in temperature in this way.

In other cases, deviations from the normal temperature will most likely be quite obvious, but, of course, this method cannot be called very accurate.

Pinch the skin on the arm

One of the signs that accompany high fever is dehydration. Fluid loss can be deadly for young children and should therefore not be tolerated. The simplest test for dehydration is to gently pinch the skin on your arm. If the crease is quickly smoothed out and the skin takes on its original appearance, then everything is ok. With dehydration, straightening will not occur instantly, but will take some time.

However, dehydration is far from being the only and not obligatory sign of fever.

Look at the face

An increase in temperature in children and adults is most often accompanied by reddening of the skin. On the face, especially on the cheeks, the color change will be especially noticeable. If you or your loved ones suddenly have reddened cheeks – and we are not talking about allergies – it may be a high temperature.

Pay attention to the color of the urine

Another sign associated with high fever and dehydration is a change in the color of the urine. Urine becomes more concentrated and darker in color, so orange or brown urine is also one of the common effects of fever.

Why you get a fever without symptoms: 5 possible causes

You can actually have a fever without obvious reasons. To describe this condition, a special term “fever of unknown origin” was coined, which is used in cases where the temperature rises above 38.3 degrees, but no other signs of the disease are observed. In order to establish the cause of fever without symptoms, you need to consult a doctor, take tests and undergo a series of examinations. Here are just some of the reasons that can cause fever in children and adults

Coronavirus infection

Coronavirus symptoms without fever include weakness, cough, trouble breathing, change or loss of smell, decreased appetite. But another situation is also possible: a fever without symptoms with covid will be the only sign indicating that something is going wrong in the body. Obvious signs of the disease may appear after a few days or not at all.

Common cold

Yes, colds caused by adenoviruses can often occur without typical cold symptoms – cough, runny nose, headache.